What is a Naginata (薙刀)?
A Naginata (薙刀) is a Japanese weapon with a curved blade attached to the end of a long shaft. It is characterized by the wide variety of attacks it can perform, such as slashing diagonally or sideways (薙斬る: Na-gi-ru), stabbing with the tip, thrusting with the ferrule, and striking with the shaft.
There are various theories about its origin and development, but it is generally believed to have appeared in the Heian period (794-1185) and been widely used in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Since its appearance, naginata have been effective in battles for hundreds of years, used individually and in large numbers, on horseback, against cavalry, and as the main weapon of warrior monks. Eventually, as efficiency in groups became more important, it fell out of use on the battlefield, but in the Edo period (1603-1868) it was used as one of the 18 Japanese martial arts, and was also practiced as a form of culture and self-defense for the women who guarded the homes of samurai. Even today, Naginata-jutsu, as an ancient martial art in contrast to swordsmanship, is passed down throughout Japan.
Atarashi Naginata (あたらしいなぎなた)
"Atarashi Naginata" (Modern Naginata) is one of the nine modern Japanese martial arts (Judo, Kendo, Kyudo, Sumo, Karate, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata, and Jukendo).
This martial art was developed in order to revive Naginata-jutsu, which had been banned by GHQ after World War II. Many techniques from various Naginata-jutsu schools were integrated in Atarashi Naginata as competitive naginata vs. naginata matches, such as Tendo-ryu (天道流), Jikishinkage-ryu (直心影流), Toda-ha Buko-ryu (戸田派武甲流), and Yoshin-ryu (楊心流).
The All Japan Naginata Federation, which currently promotes and teaches this martial art in Japan, was established in 1955 as an independent federation from the Japan Kendo Federation, became a juridical foundation in 1968, and a public interest incorporated foundation in 2013. Globally, the International Naginata Federation has been promoting naginata since 1990.
In the competitions and performances, we use Naginata with a blade made of bamboo and a shaft made of oak, while in the Kata demonstrations, we use Naginata with both the blade and shaft made of oak. Through Naginata competitions, you can improve your concentration, regulate your breathing, train your reflexes and your body, establish your beliefs, learn Japanese etiquette, and deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
The Naginata is a long weapon that requires training in technique rather than pure strength.
In fact, in competitive sports, results are often achieved regardless of gender, age, or physical build. In Canada and some other countries, competitions are held in mixed gender format, but in Japan and at world championships, competitions are separated by gender.
Tendō-ryū Naginata-jutsu (天道流薙刀術)
Tendō-ryū is one of the ancient Japanese martial arts schools. It was founded as Tenryu (天流) on November 21, 1581 (Tensho 9) by Saito Hangan Denkifusa, a disciple of Tsukahara Bokuden, after completing a 100-day retreat at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Tenryu was renamed as Tendo-ryu (some practitioners call as Tento-ryu) by the eighth head priest Shimogawara Yasunaga, and has been passed down with a focus on Naginata-jutsu, as well as Kaiken, Tanto, Nito (Kodachi), Kusarigama, Jō, and Kenjutsu. Basically, it is a comprehensive martial art in which the Tachi is considered superior and students practice how to be against the Tachi with each weapon. Approximately 150 Tendo-ryu forms are still passed down today, and are also called Kata-jiai (形試合), and are performed as serious sword matches. One of the characteristics is the technique of a deep thrust (乱れ: Midare) and crossing the legs. After the war, Tendo-ryu Naginata-jutsu became one of the foundations of the Atarashi Naginata, and various techniques were incorporated into modern martial arts.
Currently in Japan, training is mainly carried out at the Shingetsu-kai (Shubukan) - 眞月会 (修武館).
It has also become customary for Tendo-ryu seminars to be held before and after the Naginata World Championships and seminars held by the International Naginata Federation.
Bitokukai (美徳会), founded by the late Miyako Tanaka Price Sensei, is also promoting Tendo-ryu internationally. Training camps are held every year for one week in Canada, four to five days in France, and two days in the United States, where training is actively carried out. After Miyako Sensei passed away, the late Kayoko Harimoto Sensei was instructing Bitokukai members until 2025 summer.
